A RESIDENT has been honoured for bringing colour and huge smiles to Tyldesley despite the pandemic.

Ward councillor Nazia Rehman was delighted to name Carole Lealand as the latest Community Champion for her tireless efforts to lift spirits and boost pride in the area.

The Sheriff’s In Bloom competition Carole organises each year now sees scores of households juggling bulbs and sacks of compost to produce the finest floral displays.

While the annual Scarecrow Festival - another Carole brainchild - is fast becoming almost as well supported, particularly amongst the children.

Carole has been commended for her efforts

Carole has been commended for her efforts

Cllr Rehman, said that Carole “more than” earned the prestigious award because of her huge efforts boosting the quality of life in her neighbourhood.

She said: “We are in the middle of a pandemic.

“People have had to spend a lot of time at home and indoors.

“But these type of competitions are a really great way to keep in touch with your neighbours and helps to bring people together.

“Of course, looking after and beautifying a garden adds value to a house or a street.

“But more importantly, it gives the community a sense of pride and has a positive impact on our environment.

“Which is why it is such a pleasure to nominate Carole for this award.”

Carole has been commended for her efforts

Carole has been commended for her efforts

Carole’s initiative to bring a burst of colour to her neighbourhood has certainly now become a popular fixture in the seasonal annual calendar.

Last year well over 40 households in Sheriff’s Drive helped to shake off some of the Lockdown gloom by supporting the ‘Sheriff’s In Bloom’ competition.

A blur of green fingers and growing fun from adults and children - well as a surge of good natured rivalry - again produced an impressive ‘Best Garden’ plus ‘Best Flower Pots or Tubs’ floral show.

And this year’s event is already budding-up to be the best yet!

Carole has been commended for her efforts

Carole has been commended for her efforts

Guarding the floral displays from hungry beaks in 2020 were ranks of fabulously creative Scarecrows in another popular challenge she organised in Sheriff’s Drive.

This proved particular popular with the children of the road and really allowed them to let-rip with their creative skills.

Winner was a particularly Yo-Ho-Ho filled Tyldesley Pirate!

Worzel Gummidge and Saucy Nancy would have been very proud...”

Carole has been commended for her efforts

Carole has been commended for her efforts